Cox Communications‘ president Pat Esser visited National City on Wednesday to inaugurate the Atlanta-based cable company’s latest technology center for students in low-income neighborhoods.
The Cox Technology Center at the Payne Family Boys & Girls Club features 22 new computers, printers and other equipment that neighborhood children can use for completing homework, learning digital skills, playing educational games and practicing safe online socializing.
Esser said the center, the newest of 100 throughout the areas that Cox serves, will “help families in our communities close the digital divide.”
He also announced that Internet connection speeds through the associated Connect2Compete program, which provides low-cost computers and home access in the same communities, would be doubled.
“We have more we want to do. We see a very bright future for these kids,” Esser said.
With the tech centers and the Connect2Compete program, under-served students are assured of having Internet access in school, after school and at home. The program debuted in San Diego six years ago and is now offered nationwide.
Leighangela Brady, superintendent of the National School District, thanked Cox for its commitment to helping local students compete in the modern economy.
“Today we live in a knowledge economy,” she said. “Our future depends on the quality and quantity of access to the Internet.”
Isaac Burgueno, a 5th grader, said he planned to use the new computers to draw his own cartoons and promptly began sketching a ninja figure using Microsoft Paint. “Every day I look forward to working on the computer,” he said.
